When the promised Holy Spirit fully arrives in power and presence on the day of Pentecost—we are told that EVERYONE present was filled with the Holy Spirit. And the result of that was throughout the city, there was amazement and wonder. In fact, they ask, “What can this mean?” There was something fresh and new here. NOTHING like this had ever happened before! But in fact, there was something very familiar in all of this. Acts 2 should be read in concert with Exodus 19. The similarities are overwhelming. This is the new “coming down” of God. And just like when God came down at Sinai with his ten WORDS, so too, this time, through the Holy Spirit we learn from God about life with Him. 

Pentecost in Acts 2:1-13 is to be understood in the light of the Mount Sinai experience of Exodus 19:16-20.

A church that is spiritually alive is (Acts 2:1-13):

• A church that shows up. (vs. 1)
• A church filled with God's presence. (vs. 2-3)
• A church of believers filled with the Spirit. (vs. 4)
• A church committed to telling others about Christ. (vs. 5-11)

How do I know if I am filled with the Spirit? (John 16:5-15)

• The Holy Spirit convicts you of sin and reveals God's righteousness. (vs. 8-11)
• The Holy Spirit guides you into all truth. (vs. 12-13)
• The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ in your life and points you to Him (vs. 14-15)

Four important questions:

• Are you convicted of your sin?
• Have you been saved from your sin?
• Do you long to go deeper into God's truth?
• Are your heart and mind focused on Jesus?